Red Sand Boa Snake [UPSC Notes]

A huge Red Sand Boa snake was rescued from smugglers in Darjeeling, West Bengal. Belakoba forest range squad caught the smuggling gang in possession of a Red Sand Boa. In this context, the topic of the red sand boa snake becomes important for the UPSC exam environment and ecology section.

Red Sand Boa Snake

Image source: Moneycontrol

• The scientific name of the snake is Eryx johnii.
• It is a non-poisonous snake.
• Also known as the “Two-headed Snake” as it has a very thick tail having a rounded end which gives it the look of a head.
• The Wildlife Protection Act 1972 lists the snake in Schedule IV, trade and possession of the red sand boa is an offense.
• The species is listed in CITES Appendix II.
• IUCN status: Near Threatened. 
• Spread of the species: The snake is native to Iran, Pakistan, and India. In India, it is found in all of India excluding the northeast states. It is also not found in Indian islands.
• There are different names for this snake in the region. It is known by the names Indian sand boa, John’s sand boa, red sand boa, and brown sand boa.
• These are the largest sand boas in the world.
• These are ovoviviparous (the eggs hatch inside the mother’s body and are nourished inside until the baby snake is born).
• These are nocturnal (active during the night) and spend the majority of their time under the ground.

Red Sand Boa Snake – Reasons for Illegal Trade

• It is not clear why these snakes are so widely seen in illegal trade and smuggling.
• It is believed that it has supernatural abilities. Some people assume it to have healing and supernatural powers.
• It is traded for medicinal and black magic. It is demanded in the illegal market and generally sold in lacs.
• The snake is referred to as the mandool/mandul or du-tondya (the one with two mouths).

Ecological Importance: 

• It plays an important role in maintaining a healthy population between prey and predator by feeding on rodents, lizards, etc. 
• They also feed on other snakes. 
• Their population has a role in maintaining ecosystem balance.

Threats:

• Habitat loss and fragmentation.
• Illegal trade and smuggling. 
• In recent years, it has become popular among snake charmers who use it to display it as a double-headed snake.
• Due to the general fear among people about snakes and ignorance about their ecological role, these snakes are often killed.

Issue of wildlife illegal trade of the snake:

1. As this snake is harmless and has a benign nature, it is easy to collect and smuggle. 
2. The hefty amount depends on the weight of the snake. The exploitation and inhuman treatment go to the level that smugglers have also been reported to feed these snakes lead balls, steel bullets, etc. to increase their weight.
3. In recent years, their demand has surged and they are also reported to be stolen from zoos across India.
4. Cyberspace also facilitates illegal trade. On various online trading platforms, these snakes are traded and they are popular with the name ‘double engine’.
5. Illegal poaching is done not only by illegal wildlife trade rackets, but local communities also kill it for medicinal values and black magic.

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